There’s a phrase that gets thrown around a lot when talking about advertising: "Print is dead."
While it’s true that the world is more digital than ever, we’d argue that print hasn’t died - it’s just changed.
At Roseblade Media, we believe in using the right tools for the job. Sometimes that’s a slick new website or a well-timed Instagram reel.
Other times, it’s a beautifully designed brochure, a local leaflet drop, or a well-placed business card.
The trick is knowing when, where, and how to use print in a way that makes sense in today’s marketing landscape.
Let’s Talk About What’s Changed
It’s no secret that print used to dominate. Print was used long before digital was even an option.
Posters, newspaper ads, flyers, magazines - if you wanted attention, that’s where you went.
But the rise of the internet (and smartphones, and social media, and online shopping, etc.) shifted the focus dramatically. Businesses began investing more in digital - and rightly so.
But print didn’t just vanish. It’s still here - and in many cases, it’s thriving. The difference is that it's no longer the go-to option.
Instead of throwing out some flyers and hoping for the best, print is now more intentional, more strategic, and often used as part of a wider marketing mix.
So, Where Does Print Still Work?
We see print shine in three key areas:
1. When You Want to Be Remembered
There’s something about a physical item that sticks in the mind. A well-designed business card, a glossy catalogue, a postcard with a personal message.
These things don’t just get glanced at - they get handled; flipped over; left on desks; tucked into bags.
That means more chances for your brand to be seen and remembered.
Digital is instant, and print is tactile. Use that to your advantage.
2. When You’re Targeting Local Audiences
If you run a local business - a shop, a café, a service provider - print can be one of your strongest tools.
Posters in the right places; leaflets through the right doors; magazine ads in community publications.
These are all ways to get in front of people who live and work in the area you're targeting.
Even if you’re a digital-first business, a bit of local visibility never hurt anyone!
3. When You Want to Stand Out
A printed invitation, a branded notepad, or a thank-you card, it’s unexpected, and that’s where print still punches above its weight.
Done right, print can feel premium.
Consider how many luxury brands still use thick card, foil stamping, and embossed logos. They’re not clinging to the past - they’re leaning into what makes a lasting impression.
Sometimes, that's what you need to stand out.
Modern Print, Modern Strategy
Of course, print in 2025 isn’t just "design it, print it, hope for the best." If you’re going to invest in it, it needs to be thoughtful and well-executed. That means:
Good design - Not crammed with text, not overly busy, but clear, engaging and on-brand.
High-quality print finishes - matt, gloss or soft touch? Spot UV? Uncoated for that tactile feel? Print finishes now give you real creative control.
Tied in to digital - QR codes, short links, or social handles that link print to your online world.
Smart targeting - Whether you’re handing it out or posting it, make sure it's reaching the right people.
We often work with clients to make print part of a wider strategy. For example:
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A new café might use flyers with a QR code to track how many people use their discount offer.
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A wedding photographer might leave printed brochures or samples in local venues and link them to their Instagram portfolio.
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A tradesperson might use flyers to direct people to a well-optimised landing page with testimonials and booking options.
Print and digital don’t have to fight. When they work together, they’re incredibly powerful. This needs to be used to your advantage.
The Eco Question
One concern we hear (rightly so) is about the environmental impact of print.
There’s no getting around the fact that printing requires resources, but print has evolved here too:
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FSC-certified paper is more common than ever.
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Recycled stocks are increasingly high-quality and affordable.
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Digital print runs let you print just what you need - no wasteful bulk orders.
We always encourage our clients to be thoughtful: print what you need, design with intention, and choose sustainable options where possible.
Is Print Right for You?
It’s easy to dismiss print as old-school, but that misses the point. The question isn’t "print or digital?" - it’s "what will help my audience connect with me?"
If your audience is online, great - let’s talk websites, email campaigns, social ads.
But if your audience is at a wedding fair, a networking event, walking through town, or checking the post, then maybe print deserves a seat at the table too.
It’s not about nostalgia - it’s about strategy and using different mediums in your campaign.
Final Thoughts
Print isn’t dead. It just evolved, and has become a little more refined in the process.
At Roseblade Media, we’re big fans of using every tool available to help businesses connect with their audience, and sometimes, that means going offline.
If you're wondering whether print has a place in your next campaign, let's have a chat. We’ll help you figure out if it fits, and how to make it count.
